ACON is Australia’s largest health promotion organisation specialising in community health, inclusion, and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders. Established in 1985, ACON works to create opportunities for people in our communities to live their healthiest lives.
We are grounded in the belief that diversity is our strength, our differentiator, and at the core of who we are and what we do. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we encourage applications from people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and LGBTQ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTQ people of colour.
Job Description
- We're seeking an experienced and influential senior leader to lead the relationship management function for the Australian Government-funded $10 million Safe Spaces Primary Care Program, a landmark national initiative designed to improve LGBTQ+ cultural safety across primary care settings.
- This is far more than a program leadership role. It's an opportunity to shape national practice, influence system-wide change, and work alongside government, primary health networks, healthcare providers, and community organisations to improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities across Australia.
- This full-time leadership position is based within ACON's Pride Inclusion Programs (PIP) division and offers the opportunity to lead a growing team while driving strategic partnerships, business growth, and sector-wide impact.
- Full Time 76 hours per week based in our Gadigal (Surry Hills) Office.
What’s Pride Inclusion Programs (PIP) you say?
Pride Inclusion Programs is ACON's national inclusion and advisory division, supporting organisations to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ communities.
Through evidence-based frameworks, training, accreditation programs, consulting services and sector partnerships, PIP works with organisations across health, aged care, community services, sport, education and corporate sectors to improve inclusion outcomes and drive meaningful organisational change.
As part of this work, ACON is a consortium partner delivering the Australian Government-funded Safe Spaces Primary Care National Program, helping to build a scalable national model that strengthens LGBTQ+ cultural safety and inclusion within healthcare settings across Australia.
Ok, so what’s the role?
The National Partnership Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing ACON's strategic engagement across the health sector and driving the national delivery of the Safe Spaces and Pride in Health & Wellbeing portfolios. Working closely with leaders across government, healthcare, community services and the LGBTQ+ sector, you will shape and deliver large-scale initiatives that strengthen organisational capability, enhance inclusive service delivery, and drive sustainable improvements in health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities. You will:
- Lead the national relationship management function for the Safe Spaces Primary Care National Program, building strong partnerships with government agencies, consortium partners, primary health networks, healthcare providers, peak bodies and community organisations.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Pride in Health & Wellbeing and Safe Spaces portfolios, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based and measurable program delivery.
- Develop and implement business growth strategies that expand ACON's reach and influence across the health sector, including identifying funding opportunities, partnerships, grants, tenders and new revenue streams.
- Recruit, lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of Relationship Managers, fostering accountability, collaboration and exceptional stakeholder experiences.
- Represent ACON at senior forums, industry events and strategic stakeholder engagements, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion and culturally safe healthcare.
- Oversee end-to-end program planning, governance, risk management, evaluation, reporting and continuous improvement to ensure sustainable national impact.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for a collaborative, politically astute and commercially minded leader who can operate confidently across complex stakeholder environments and translate strategy into meaningful outcomes.
You will bring
- Significant leadership experience within healthcare, primary care, public health, community health or a related sector, coupled with a strong understanding of Australia's health system and its operating environment.
- A demonstrated ability to influence senior decision-makers, build strategic partnerships and represent an organisation with credibility across government, healthcare and community sectors.
- Experience developing and implementing business growth strategies, securing funding opportunities, responding to tenders and building sustainable partnerships.
- Proven experience leading teams through growth, change and complexity while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
- Strong program and project management capability, including governance, risk management, planning, reporting and performance monitoring.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage, influence and inspire audiences at all levels of leadership.
- A genuine commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.
What else can we tell you?
- Salary: Starting from $122,559.84 (Gross Annual Salary PLUS Superannuation and Leave Loading).
- Location: ACON’s Gadigal (Surry Hills) office, with flexible working options a possibility (away from the office).
- Hours: Full-Time (76 hours per fortnight) on a fixed term contract with the possibility of extension.
- Not-For-Profit Salary Packaging: Currently up to $35,000 gross up value, enabling you to keep more of your salary, and pay less tax ($15,900 Expenses + $2,650 Meals, tax free).
- Flexibility and Wellbeing: Working from home arrangements available from the first day, free comprehensive counselling services through our Employee Assistance Program and dedicated quiet spaces across office locations.
- Generous Leave Entitlements: Including an additional 5 days at the end of the year for our shutdown period, additional Personal/Carer’s Leave days above NES.
- Community Leave Entitlements: First Nations Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Gender Affirmation Leave, Paid Parental Leave (both caregivers 14 weeks), Public Holiday Swap … and more!
- Career Growth: Tailored learning and development planning, annual learning allowance and education scholarships to encourage continuous learning, and paid education leave.
- Flare Benefits: Enjoy exclusive employee perks, including discounts from leading retailers, wellbeing providers and financial institutions.
How can I find out more details and apply?
If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply to join our team and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. By joining us, you will be part of a mission to create a healthier and more inclusive community.
We’d love someone who has experience already in this area but people at all levels of experience are absolutely welcome to apply. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from CALD backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of all genders to apply.
For more information on the role, please contact Dawn Emsen-Hough, Director – ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs, at DEmsen-Hough@acon.org.au.
If you are ready to apply, please apply via the 'Apply' function at the end of this page.
We look forward to receiving your application.
